Bobby’s got a lobby

With the most recent newcomers from Providence garnering the headlines, it’s easy to forget one recent call up who has given the B’s more than most fans would have expected since he arrived in Boston.

Bobby Allen is having blast in Boston and is winning a lot of fans -- including the Bruins coaching staff.

"When you bring somebody up…or somebody comes to your team they’re looking for an opportunity," said B’s head coach Dave Lewis after practice on Wednesday. "With Bobby Allen, it’s a new opportunity.

"And that is really what you ask for as an athlete: Give me a chance."

And it’s a chance that Allen is not taking for granted.

"That’s the type of thing that is going on (here)," said Coach of his Providence and AHL alums. "They want to get here and stay here.

"They want to do whatever they can to be successful."

Allen is exhibit #1.

"I think our defense has been much better, overall," said Lewis. "We are exiting the zone better. We’re regrouping better and we’re making better plays.

"And thus, we’re getting pucks to our forwards."

And for Allen, playing better means staying within himself, playing strong defensive hockey and making good decisions with the puck -- not forcing anything.

"He’s not doing anything outside (his skill set)," said the coach. "He’s playing within his realm.

"He’s feeling more comfortable with out team, more comfortable with the league…but overall, I think (Jason) York has helped him al lot…to help him understand situations, reads and plays and puck movement."

Has he been a pleasant surprise, Coach?

"You can’t really say that, because he really didn’t have an opportunity (before)," said Lewis. "Training camp was different, but since he has been here he’s been good."